MMMs are actively engaged in the delivery of services including the prevention or relief of sickness, disease or human suffering in various ways. Serving in over 11 countries, MMMs are assisting with illness, diseases and social challenges unique to the specific location. The MMMs work with the local community to identify what most needs to be done and to build on the strengths of the existing resources. Objectives are set with goals to respond to the particular area and what impacts people there the most. No two locations services are exactly alike and change is always being monitored and addressed.
MMMs are global medical missionaries Sisters. We make a difference in the world by bringing healing to those in most need. The Congregation’s name is the Medical Missionaries of Mary. This means that, like Mary, we go in haste to care for the most vulnerable. We provide holistic healthcare with a particular care for women and children. As Missionaries we are “sent forth” to serve in our world, often deeply and violently divided.
In 1937 by Dublin-born Mother Mary Martin founded the Congregation. She responded to the need she saw as a young lay missionary in Nigeria. Today we strive to ease poverty and suffering throughout the world, inspired by the same Gospel values. Most MMMs train in professions linked to some area of healthcare or social services. This gives us specific skills to bring to the communities we serve. Our particular concern is the health of mothers and children and the promotion of family life.
Today we are over 300 members of the Congregation. We carry on the vision of Mother Mary Martin, present among peoples of other cultures, religions and ideologies. We create medical, social and religious projects which enhance the quality of life for people who are suffering. We are funded by Donor agencies, individuals, families and groups. We also receive help from governments of various countries as well as service-user fees. We are deeply grateful to all these donors who enable us to provide health care and other social programmes.
Today, any concept of Mission today involves collaboration. We work with other organizations and institutions in our relief of suffering and care for our planet. MMM Associates and co-workers work with the Sisters to create a world of justice, love and peace.
MMMs provide different services at different locations in response to local needs. We provide quality, affordable health care to those who most need it. We work to empower local people to take responsibility for their own health.
The Resource section offers content on the MMM journey including additional information, obituaries and archived content.
Worldwide MMM Sisters operate in areas of the world with the greatest need for health and healing care. Locations are places where MMMs are invited to communities by the local leadership to provide holistic and healing resources. Various medical missionary work is provided according to the needs of the local people. There are no two MMM locations alike. The services provided are determined by what the people locally need and what resources are possible.
Community based primary healthcare services with a focus on women and children in conjunction with governmental and church agencies takes place globally. While MMMs are present in 11 countries in the world currently there are several countries that MMM served in the past but have since left. The goal of the MMM missions is to help a community become self-sufficient, so training is provided to the local people allowing the MMMs to move on to a new location over time. MMM has been in 21 different countries since they began in 1937.
MMMs sometimes get called up to respond to emergency situations in parts of the world they have not been to before as a special mission. MMM members together with the associates are present in 17 countries in the world currently to meet the needs of the communities,
MMM Sisters currently operate in four major geographic regions:
Click on the geographic region to learn more.
Footprints
MMMs have left their footprints in many parts of the world. As missionaries, our aim is to work ourselves out of a job as quickly as possible. When we have established health services, working with local people and other NGOs, and when we are assured that the work can continue without us, we move on to places of greater need.
Milestones
From the seedling of an idea to expansion and growth MMM follows the pattern of all organic systems. In this section you will follow the development of MMM from its origins in our Foundress, Marie Martin, to its present day international presence both in location and membership. Enjoy our story!.
